There are a huge number of badges available to young people across all sections of Scouting.
Some of these might be to reward proficiency or endeavour in a certain skill area, while others might be for time spent in the movement, for becoming a member of the next section, or for taking part in particular challenges or expeditions.
Section Awards
The top award for each section is the Chief Scout’s Award with Bronze for Beaver Scouts, Silver for Cub Scouts, Gold for Scouts, Platinum for Explorer Scouts and Diamond for Explorer Scouts and Scout Network.
Queen's Scout Award
The Queen’s Scout Award is also available for Explorer Scouts and Scout Network over the age of 16 and is the ultimate Top Award for all members to achieve by the time they reach the age of 25.
All recipients receive a special invitation to Windsor Castle to participate in a parade and be inspected by a representative of Her Majesty the Queen.
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award (DofE) is a voluntary, non-competitive programme of activities for anyone aged 14-24. Doing their DofE gives young people the opportunity to experience new activities or develop existing skills.
There are three progressive levels of programmes which, when successfully completed, lead to a bronze, silver or gold award. Young people create their own DofE programme by choosing volunteering, physical and skills activities, going on an expedition and, for their gold only, taking part in a residential activity.
Within Scouting, this links directly to the chief scout’s platinum, diamond and Queen’s scout awards.
The DofE is delivered through a number of licensed providers, of which The Scout Association is one of the largest in the country.
Scottish Badges
Scottish Headquarters have developed a number of additional Scottish specific activity badges:
These are designed to complement rather than replace the existing range of badges and can all be purchased directly from Scottish Headquarters.